Before you sling that box into the recycling, MoneyMagpie’s Vicky Parry is here to tell us what to look out for – and the smartest ways to turn your old media into money
If you’re anything like me, you’ll have a cupboard (or your mum will) stuffed with relics of the past: chunky VHS tapes, mixtapes with handwritten labels, maybe even a few old video games rattling around in their boxes.
Charity shopping has been a family pastime for me since I was a kid, so I’ve always had an eye for hidden gems. And right now, nostalgia is big business.
Collectors are snapping up certain cassette tapes, VHS films and retro games – and some are selling for far more than you’d expect.”
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Are VHS tapes actually worth anything?
In short: most aren’t. But some absolutely are. Collectors tend to look for:
- Horror films (especially banned or “video nasty” titles)
- Cult classics
- First releases or early editions
- Still-sealed copies
- Rare children’s films
Certain early Disney “Black Diamond” VHS editions of films like Beauty and the Beast or The Little Mermaid are often listed for eye-watering sums online. However, here’s my honest take: listing prices are not selling prices. Many are wildly optimistic.
That said, genuine rarities – particularly obscure horror titles from the 1980s – can command serious money from specialist collectors.
What makes a VHS valuable?
- Original sleeve in excellent condition
- No mould (check the tape through the little window)
- Early distributor labels
- Limited or withdrawn releases
- Niche genres with cult followings
If your tape looks like it survived three house moves and a leaky loft, it’s unlikely to fund your holiday. Condition is everything.
Are cassette tapes collectible now?
Surprisingly, yes. The resurgence of retro culture has boosted demand for original music cassettes, particularly:
- 80s and 90s indie bands
- Early hip-hop releases
- Metal and punk
- Limited-edition or demo tapes
- Factory-sealed albums
Collectors love original pressings, especially if they come with intact inlays and clear cases. Even better if the shrink wrap is still on.
Handmade mixtapes? Probably not worth much financially – but emotionally priceless, of course.
If you’ve got boxes from the likes of high-street music shops long gone, they’re worth checking individually. Some obscure albums have become surprisingly sought-after.
Don’t forget retro video games
While you’re rummaging, check for old consoles and cartridges too. Games for the Nintendo 64, original PlayStation or Sega Mega Drive can fetch decent sums – especially boxed copies with manuals.
Look out for:
- Limited editions
- Short-print titles
- Cult RPGs
- Horror games
- Anything still sealed
Even slightly tatty boxes can have value if the game itself is in good condition.
The best places to sell
Once you’ve identified potential gems, where should you sell them?
1. eBay
Still one of the biggest marketplaces for collectors. The auction format can work in your favour if two buyers get competitive. Do your research first and check “sold listings” to see what items have actually sold for.
2. Vinted
Better known for clothes, but increasingly used for media. It works well for lower-value bundles rather than rare collector pieces.
3. Facebook Marketplace
Ideal for bulk clear-outs. You won’t get top collector prices, but you’ll avoid fees and postage.
4. Specialist collector groups
There are dedicated online communities for VHS horror collectors and cassette enthusiasts. If you’ve got something niche, this can be the best route.
5. Car boot sales
I love a car boot. You might not get premium prices, but if your goal is decluttering fast, it works. Just price realistically.
How to check what your tapes are worth
Here’s my step-by-step approach:
- Search the exact title on eBay.
- Filter by “sold items.”
- Match the edition, sleeve design and condition carefully.
- Ignore unrealistic asking prices.
If you’re unsure about an edition, look at the distributor logo, year of release and any catalogue numbers printed on the spine or label.
Condition checklist before you list
Before photographing:
- Wipe cases clean
- Check for tape mould
- Test playback if possible
- Photograph front, back and spine
- Be honest about wear
Buyers of vintage media care deeply about detail. The more transparent you are, the fewer returns you’ll deal with.
What probably isn’t worth selling
Let me save you some time.
- Mass-produced rom-coms
- Exercise videos
- Common chart albums
- Damaged tapes
- Blank used cassettes
You’re unlikely to make more than a pound or two each. In those cases, selling as a bundle may be more worthwhile.
A word of caution about hype
Every few years, headlines shout that VHS tapes are “selling for thousands”. And occasionally, a rare sealed copy does.
But the average battered copy of Titanic won’t pay off your mortgage.
The trick is realism. Think of it as a treasure hunt. Most finds will be modest – but one hidden gem could make it worthwhile.
My top tip
If you’ve got a big collection, don’t list everything individually straight away. Pull out the strongest titles first. Test the market. If they sell well, continue. If not, pivot to bundles.
And if you’re clearing out a family home, check lofts carefully. I’ve seen collections that sat untouched for 30 years – and that’s often where the interesting bits hide.
Nostalgia has value. You just need to know what you’re looking at.
So before you bin that box of tapes, give it one last rummage. You might just find that your teenage soundtrack – or your old horror stash – is worth more than you think.
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